French Way from Sarria for school groups: learning and values

An educational experience that goes beyond the classroom

The French Way from Sarria has become one of the most enriching experiences for school groups seeking to combine learning, coexistence and personal development. Along the approximately 115 kilometres to Santiago de Compostela, students live a unique experience that combines history, nature, culture and human values.

Walking the Camino de Santiago is not just a trip, but an opportunity to learn by doing, to share in a group and to discover the true meaning of effort, cooperation and empathy.

➤ The Camino as an open-air classroom

The French Way from Sarria is a true classroom of life. Each stage becomes a practical lesson: in history, geography, coexistence and personal growth. Students learn outside the walls of the classroom, experiencing firsthand the value of nature, teamwork and overcoming challenges.

From rural villages to historic cities such as Portomarín or Palas de Rei, young people discover a living heritage, where every stone, church and path tells a story.

• Experiential learning: learning about the history of the Camino and its cultural importance.
• Environmental education: respect for nature and rural areas.
• Human values: cooperation, respect and solidarity among classmates.

➤ A Camino designed for young people

The section between Sarria and Santiago is perfect for school groups due to its accessibility, safety and educational richness. The stages, between 18 and 25 kilometres, adapt to the pace of the group and have comfortable accommodation and specialized services for schoolchildren.

In addition, agencies specializing in the French Way from Sarria offer programs designed especially for schools, with guided routes, support vehicles, monitors and complementary activities.

• Safe and well-signposted stages.
• Logistical support and luggage transport.
• Monitors and guides experienced with youth groups.
• Parallel educational activities (workshops, cultural visits, group dynamics).

➤ Values learned while walking

The Camino de Santiago is much more than a route: it is a school of values. Each day, students learn to coexist, to share efforts, to respect different rhythms and to take care of the environment. These experiences strengthen their sense of community and reinforce skills as important as empathy, resilience and responsibility.

Walking together fosters unity and mutual understanding. The small challenges — tiredness, rain or long walks — become opportunities to learn and grow.

• Promotion of team spirit and cooperation.
• Development of empathy and active listening.
• Respect for classmates, teachers and the natural environment.

➤ Outstanding educational stages

The section of the French Way from Sarria offers a balanced route between nature and culture, ideal for integrating educational content into each day:

• Sarria → Portomarín: first impressions of the Camino and reflection on teamwork.
• Portomarín → Palas de Rei: living history of Galician Romanesque and its rural churches.
• Palas de Rei → Arzúa: connection with the environment and sustainability workshops.
• Arzúa → O Pedrouzo: cooperation and group leadership dynamics.
• O Pedrouzo → Santiago: culmination of the journey, experience of achievement and shared celebration.

Each stage includes moments of observation, reflection and practical learning, combining academic knowledge with personal experience.

➤ A journey that leaves a mark

The French Way from Sarria does not end upon reaching the Cathedral: it leaves a deep mark on young people. Many schools that repeat the experience year after year highlight the positive impact on students’ attitudes, maturity and group cohesion.

For students, this experience is their first big group trip, and also a metaphor for life: each day requires effort, commitment and trust, but there is always a reward at the end of the path.

• Strengthening of self-esteem and personal autonomy.
• Creation of lasting memories and friendships.
• Development of values that go beyond the trip.

➤ Reaching Santiago: the value of shared effort

Arriving in Santiago de Compostela is a moment of collective emotion. Seeing the towers of the Cathedral from Monte do Gozo symbolizes not only the goal reached, but everything learned along the way: the importance of effort, empathy and solidarity.

The Camino teaches young people that success is not only about reaching the destination, but about enjoying and learning along the way. And that the true reward is in the path travelled together.

• Celebrate the arrival as a group and recognize everyone’s effort.
• Share experiences, reflections and learnings.
• Reinforce the Jacobean spirit and the human values it conveys.

The French Way from Sarria is a unique educational opportunity for school groups: an experience where values, learning and friendship are walked, lived and shared.